Venice feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from — a city built on water, where time flows as slowly as the gondolas that glide through its narrow canals. The moment we stepped off the train, we were pulled into its rhythm: the soft sound of water against stone, footsteps echoing on ancient bridges, and golden light dancing off centuries-old façades.

We spent two days exploring this floating city — riding through quiet canals in Dorsoduro, wandering from the Rialto Bridge to San Giorgio Maggiore, and standing in awe beneath the mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. Every corner turned felt like a painting come to life. This blog is a look at our time in Venice — slow mornings, scenic walks, and a little bit of magic around every bend.

Day 1 — Gondolas, Grand Canals, and Hidden Paths

Venice felt like a painting before we even stepped onto the island — all watery reflections and aging facades, each corner begging to be photographed.

We started our morning slow, with breakfast at the hotel, taking in the quiet before the day’s movement. The first must-do was a gondola ride — but not just any gondola. We sought out a quieter canal, away from the Grand Canal’s buzz. In Dorsoduro, we found a gondolier ready to take us through the peaceful, less-trafficked veins of the city. The ride was everything we hoped for — still water, echoing footsteps on bridges above, and glimpses of locals going about their lives.

We drifted past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the same domed silhouette you’ll find in Canaletto’s paintings. From there, we wandered through Rialto Bridge, where the flow of people and boats created a beautiful kind of chaos. But it was the side canals that stole our hearts — especially walking along Rio di San Provolo and pausing at Ponte dei Carmini.

For lunch, we stopped by Al Mercá, a tiny standing-only spot near Rialto known for their delicious cicchetti — small bites bursting with flavor.

If you’re a book lover, don’t miss Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky and chaotic bookstore where books are piled high in bathtubs and gondolas to keep them dry when the floods come. It’s one of those only-in-Venice experiences.

By late afternoon, we ferried over to San Giorgio Maggiore, one of the most serene spots in the lagoon. The church, with its crisp lines and peaceful interior, offered a quiet break from the buzz of the main island. Nearby, the Fondazione Giorgio Cini — once home to a Kehinde Wiley exhibition — is also worth a visit if you have time.

Dinner was a relaxing end to a full day, with options like Ristorante Ca’ Dolfin or Osteria Fanal del Codega serving up comforting Venetian classics.

Don’t skip the gelato at Boutique Del Gelato — one of the best sweet stops of the trip.

Day 2 — St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace

Our second day in Venice was focused and iconic.

We made our way to St. Mark’s Square in the early morning, when the light was soft and the crowds hadn’t yet arrived. Entering St. Mark’s Basilica was nothing short of awe-inspiring — the gold mosaics glimmered even more in person than any photo could promise. We climbed to the Loggia dei Cavalli for panoramic views over the piazza.

Just a short walk away, we entered the Doge’s Palace, a gothic wonder of pink stone and political power. The Bridge of Sighs — romanticized and melancholy — connects the palace to the prison, offering a haunting contrast to the beauty of the rooms before it. Inside, we stood in front of one of the largest oil paintings in the world, feeling small beneath its weight and grandeur.

After a day of rich history, we wound down over aperitivo and dinner at Osteria Enoteca San Marco, tucked just off the square. The food was incredible, but the ambiance — soft light, quiet conversation, the faint sound of church bells — made it unforgettable.